Five Ideas to Consider Before Hosting a Holiday Party

Although most holiday celebrations are focused on food, family and the community, safety is an under-rated topic that shouldn’t be ignored. Missouri state fire marshal, Randy Cole reports that fires, caused by heating systems, are primarily responsible for the growing number of conflagrations over the winter months.

Set candles with care, out of reach from small children and far away from holiday decorations susceptible to fire. Because some candles are drippier than others, be sure to place a plate under the base to capture any hot wax.

Decorating idea: How to prevent a candle wax trail. Instead of burning a whole large candle, let it burn until there’s enough space to place a votive candle in the concave space. Place a quarter over the large candle’s wick. Next, place a votive candle in the spot and illuminate.

Attend to comfort.

Employ fireplace, hearth and chimney safety basics. Maintain a regular cleaning schedule and never employ cardboard or use a liquid fuel to kindle any interior fireplace.

Don’t overlook a Crestwood home’s heating system, furnace or boiler. When comfort systems are not in use, parts loosen, crack and become embedded with debris. Gas fueled comfort systems are combustive by nature, the same is true of boilers. To ensure that your heating system is warming the home, hazard free and efficiently—schedule a tune up before the holiday.

Hoffmann Brothers Heating garners an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau St. Louis and is the preferred heating and cooling contractor serving residents of Crestwood. (314) 664-3011

Fun Factoid:

In recent news, The city of Crestwood joined five other Missouri organizations, including the Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS), Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP), The National Weather Service (NWS) as well as the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), on the designation of Winter Weather Awareness Day. (November 19, 2014). Please visit https://www.noaa.gov/ for more information.

Infuse natural scents.

Instead of burning incense, opt for an organic infusion. Slowly brew a covered pot of cinnamon sticks, cloves and orange peels in water. Once the concoction starts to boil uncover the pot, releasing the aromatic scent. (This trick offsets dry air also)